Police in Antrim town, where the skies have some of Northern Ireland's busiest flight routes and out of Belfast International Airport, have warned laser-pen carrying louts they could down an aircraft with a loss of life.

The PSNI is investigating a report of a laser light being directed towards an aircraft flying over Antrim.

Offices are warning people of the dangers associated with the use of laser devices and are keen to hear from anyone who knows anything about this type of incident.

Superintendent Muir Clark said: “This is really irresponsible and dangerous behaviour. Lasers can cause temporary blindness and this could result in a serious incident.

“Those involved in this activity need to be mindful of the serious impact their behaviour could have.

“Flashing these laser lights could result in a charge of being in possession of a dangerous weapon but, in the extreme, you could be responsible for loss of life."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on the non-emergency number 101.